Demonstrations part of artistic tour

The Heart of Art, in LaPorte County Saturday, Sunday.

The Heart of Art, in LaPorte County Saturday, Sunday.

October 12, 2006|SHARON DETTMER Tribune Correspondent

LAPORTE Wilbur E. Bougher makes no secret as to how he achieves his glass art. The artist enjoys sharing his glass-blowing techniques with visitors to the Web Glass Studio, and he will give demonstrations during The Heart of Art LaPorte County Studio & Gallery Tour. There will be a homogeneous blend of art mediums and regional artists to engage those interested in a myriad of fine art forms. The self-directed studio and gallery tour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT on Saturday and Sunday provides art enthusiasts with a prime opportunity to meet painters, stained-glass artists, weavers and sculptors at scenic LaPorte County locations. This year's event is sponsored by LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Indiana University Northwest and Blue Chip Casino Hotel. Enjoying the autumn's awe-inspiring natural art, so evident in fall foliage, is just one attractive aspect of the tour, organizers say. Paul Jeselskis has created functional and sculptural pottery for more than 22 years with rich glazes in vibrant colors of gold, red, black, blue and yellow. He sells his works to 40 galleries across the country. Jeselskis is the tour committee's chairman, and is thrilled to share his artistry with visitors coming to Jeselskis Potteries in Michigan City. Clay artist Jack Turner, of Valparaiso, Ind., will demonstrate the raku process at the pottery studio, as well. Bougher, who is also an accomplished blacksmith, is eager to share his blown glass techniques with interested visitors. "I participate in the tour for the love of art, and because it is great exposure," he said. After retiring from General Telephone Co. 13 years ago, Bougher honed his blacksmithing techniques. He traveled to Branson, Mo., and met a glass blower there, who helped him learn blown glass fabrication techniques. He works with ovens radiating heat from 1,000 to 2,150 degrees, and produces his work in incremental, layered glass buildups. Bougher can explain his technique just about as quickly as he turns the rod to which hot glass is attached. He turns the rod swiftly so that the glass will not droop. He examines the frit (ground, colored-glass) to ensure that the desired colors are emerging. Stained-glass art, landscape paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, fiber art, woven garments, and blown glass, will be exhibited by more than 25 guest and regional artists at listed LaPorte County studio and gallery locations. The Heart of Art Bike Tour is slated for Saturday. The tour, with 15-, 25- and 50-mile rides along the art tour route is sponsored by Michigan City Family YMCA. The registration fee is $25, and advanced registration is recommended. For further information, call (219) 872-9622. For further art tour information, contact LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 572-3359, or log onto to www.visitlaportecounty.com.